This post is about self-discipline. However, I did want to make sure to add information about the difference between self-discipline and self-control. We understand that self-control is being able to control our temperaments and lustful desires.
Self-discipline is about correction or regulation of oneself for the sake of improvement. Self-discipline is focusing on areas that need to change and incorporating those things that propel us toward those changes. It is about applying the tools that you learn so you do life better. Incorporating self-discipline influences self-control.
2nd Timothy 1:7 – “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.” The NLT replaced “a sound mind” with “self-discipline”.
The reference Scripture for 2nd Timothy 1:7 is Romans 8:15
Romans 8:15 – “So you have not receive a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when He adopted you as His own children. Now, we call Him, “Abba, Father.”
Self-discipline takes work on your part to do the inventory and see what needs to change. However, “we can do all things through Christ.” My encouragement today is that we can work on our selves. We can apply what we learn so that we can live abundant lives. Jesus came that we might have abundant life. He did His part so that we can do ours.
Self-Control is described as restraint exercised over one’s own impulses, emotions or desires.
Galatians 5:23 – “…gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things!”
Proverbs 5:21-23 – 21) For the Lord sees clearly what a man does, examining every path he takes. 22) An evil man is held captive by his own sins; they are ropes that catch and hold him. 23) He will die for lack of self-control; he willl be lost because of his great foolishness.”
Proverbs 16:32 -“Better to be patient than powerful; better to have self-control than to conquer a city.”
Losing control can cause you to forfeit what you want the most. Losing self-control means your temper or the emotion of anger has taken control. Application of biblical principles moves us from just having knowledge to a life-changing experience.
Self-control is a fruit of the Spirit. All of us are challenged with the self-control at one point or another. This is not the same as maintaining self-control for the most part. Challenges should not be able to continually overtake you. As a fruit of the Spirit, you should be able to experience the emotion and yet instead of losing control, you are able to maintain self-control. I wanted to present this information from the biblical perspective. There is much material out there on self-control; from a psychological perspective, humane perspective, as well as a self-help perspective.
This choice from the biblical perspective is based on inner transformation because it changes you. It is not focused on behaviors but based on the work of the Spirit of God. This means that you are not working on how you act (behavior). Instead, it is how you respond. Applying biblical principles changes who you are. That said, how you react is based on who you become and not what you do. Self-control is not easy because the flesh wants what the flesh wants. However, that is the significance between changing the inner man from the heart as opposed to changing behaviors.
Psalm 37:8 – “Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper-it only leads to harm.” Everyone involved in any given situation is harmed when anger is not put to bed. Doesn’t mean you don’t feel or you haven’t been hurt. Just means you refuse to let your emotions rule you.
Apparently, the Scriptures have plenty to say about self-control. I have included some Scriptures for you to review and meditate on. I personally do not believe that I can live an abundant life without God. That includes mental, emotional, spiritual, and physical. In that vein, it is about making the spiritual man your center. That is the foundation of true self-control.
It should be clear that anger is not the only emotion that requires self-control.
I listed some other Scriptures for you, the reader, to do your own legwork. Get in there and let God’s word speak to you.
1Timothy 3:2; 1 Timothy 3:11; Titus 2:2; 1 Peter 1:13; 2 Peter 1:6
